Prices of vegetables at some major markets in the Nabdam District of the Upper East Region have witnessed a significant drop within one month. 

A market survey conducted by the Ghana News Agency at the Zanlerigu, Pelungu, and Kongo markets in the district revealed that prices of vegetables such as tomatoes, pepper, and okra had reduced drastically. 

Farmers of these commodities, who expressed worry about making losses, attributed the trend to an increasing supply of vegetables from farmers and other dealers. 

For instance, a bucket of tomatoes, which was sold between GH¢120 and GH¢150 at the beginning of September, is now available for GH¢45 to GH¢70.

Similarly, a basin of tomatoes, which was sold between GH¢250 and GH¢300 now goes for GH₵100.00 and GH¢150.

Also, okra and fresh pepper have seen price reductions. 

Currently, a bucket of okra costs GH¢60 a significant reduction from GH¢120 while a bucket of fresh pepper is priced between GH¢55.00 to GH¢70 compared to over GH¢100 previously. 

The drop in prices, according to the farmers was benefiting the customers while posing losses and significant financial challenges to them due to the high cost of production including high costs of labour, seedlings, and fertilizers. 

Mr Mba Kugbon, a tomato farmer, expressed frustration, noting, “We are not happy with the current prices, considering our expenses, however, with tomatoes being perishable, we are forced to sell at whatever price we can when there is abundance”. 

Mr Ntaba Bagna, another tomato and pepper farmer indicated that the prices at which the vegetables were sold were discouraging as most of the farmers would not break even if the prices continued to reduce in subsequent weeks. 

 “We were happy when a bucket was around GH¢120 or above because that would have helped us cover our expenditure, but now we are not even breaking even with the current prices”, he added. 

Mrs Cynthia Nyaaba, a trader, also voiced concerns about the volatile prices, saying “The instability of prices makes it difficult to predict profits.

"For instance, buying a bucket of tomatoes for GH¢50 in Pelungu and transporting it to Bolgatanga at an additional GH¢10 only to sell it for less than GH¢70 means we end up with little or no profit”. 

However, Mrs Talata Yakong, a food vendor at Zanlerigu Market welcomed the price drops, noting, “The lower prices have led to substantial profits for me and I hope this trend continues”. 

Madam Stella Awuni, a customer and a nurse by profession, shared her satisfaction with the current prices, saying “The reduced prices are fantastic. Now, a small amount of money can buy what I need, which is a significant improvement”. 

Harvesting of vegetables and some crops started in the Upper East Region, in mid-September and would go on to November 2024.